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Archive for 11/01/2010 - 12/01/2010

T-Hud ft. Three 6 Mafia vs. Mikee Merge "Gangsta (DJ Nappy Extended THUGSTEP Refix)": I know, I know, this leaked on Monday, but that wasn't the full DJ-friendly refix. Forreal, though - we going 7+ minutes for you DJs out there supporting the sound. Mikee Merge came with the serious bouncefunk on that bassline, giving this T-Hud/Triple Six gangsterism a futuristic bassflex. Some shit to get lost in, trust.

I'll be dropping a new refix from Nappy tomorrow, as I bring back the "First Of The Month" THUGSTEP posts. You've been warned!

Family Affair ft. Rockwell Knuckles "Words of a Hustle": Here’s some bounce from the STL, on a more melancholic vibe. Taken from Family Affair’s Welcome To The Underground project, this one finds FA linking with Rocky Knuckles to put some pimpin’ in ya simpin’, ya smell me? Take heed to the words of the older gods. They’ve been there – and know where you can and can’t go. No sleepin’!

Intalek "Grow" (prod. by Ritchcraft): If you’re a good reader, you should remember the Lives & Vibes EP that Intalek and Ritch dropped earlier this year. That opus has been fattened into a 15-track “international version”, which is now available on iTunes and Amazon. This is one of the new tracks, and it’s excellent. Ritch brings a sick flip of a fly sample, allowing Intalek to weave some refreshingly poignant lines into. Shit’s an anthem for those who are seeking that constant elevation. Enjoy that, then cop the full release of Lives & Vibes, yadig?

Remember that Wu-TangEnter The Dubstep project that dropped last year? Well, it looks like FrankRadio and iHipHop have linked up again for another one, this time allowing dubstep producers like Hellfire Machina and Dem Soul to flip some Brand Nubian acapellas. I'm feeling what I'm hearing more now; hit the jump for refixes of "Slow Down" and "How Long", then let a nigga know what you think. This drops on the 21st of December, so if you're digging, be on the lookout!

Sean J "Elevate" (prod. by Unselftitled): Love when an MC really takes cues from the beat and adjusts his bars accordingly. Unselftitled (WTF is that name?) flipped a dope track here, with some lush strings and unexpected turns, and Sean keeps it upright like a pro. This cut is the third official single from The Ego Egg Mixtape, which finally has a release date: December 1st! There will also be a video for this track coming. If I can offer my $0.02, I’d suggest they have video of swans and shit. Or J rapping in a swan suit. Think it over. You can keep that, I won’t even haggle over copyright shit.

Zumo Kollie "Times Of Our Lives": Any artist out there who hasn’t hit 30 and still has dreams/goals of shitting on the entire Earth with their worth, this one is yours. Raise a glass of, um, whatever 20-somethings drank in 2010, or hold up whatever smoking device you use in your cipher, and toast to the grind, salute the struggle, and say hello to Zumo. Rhode Island is the home of my favorite sister-in-law, and the home of one of our more introspective MCs. Be on the lookout for Kollie’s Last Showing, whenever the hell it drops.

M-Dot “Self Reflection” (prod. by Pauly Fingaz): When I first got introduced to the EMS camp, M-Dot was the most visible, getting a lot of praise within their area, and on a more national level. With his Making Doubters Over Think mixtape, which his hosted by Billy Danze & DJ G.I. Joe and drops on December 7th (and is presented by HipHopDX, DJ Booth, Kevin Nottingham, 5StarHipHop and WERS 88.9FM), he’s gonna keep his stock rising. I for one don’t think a nigga needs THAT many presenters, but ‘nuff respect to him on getting those spots behind him. If the rest of the project sounds as crispy and wintery as this 2nd single, he’s on the right path.

MiLKMEN "All Day" (prod. by Robi): Had no idea where Robi was going with that vocal in the beat initially, but I love the bounce he slid up underneath. I get the feeling that he might mess with that Drum & Bass, but that might also be a nigga dream. ANYWAYS, the MiLKs do what they do best: merk beats. Doubletime, normal speed, whatever it is, these two know how to spit. That’s a given. And they also know how to keep shit to the left, just a tad, so niggas like me can have some excitement and be kept guessing.

Reek Da Villian ft. M.O.P "Fall In Line" (prod. by Soul Professa): Reek’s name has been poppin’ up kind of heavy, much to do with his association with Busta Rhymes (yes, co-signs still work these days), but on a nasty number with the Firing Squad? Soul P did it again with that metal riff he threw in there. Treatment for the video should be in a dusty biker bar, with MOP and Reek rollin in with cowboy boots and 10 gallon hats, mean muggin’. It may or may not involve niggas getting shot with six shooters and chesty barmaids, but that’s not essential. Well, maybe t is. Reek mixtape coming soon?

UllNevaNo "UllNevaNovember" (prod. by Minus Nine): And as we further travel down the Land of Ill Track Titles That Incorporate A Nigga’s Rap Name, UllNevaNo drops a fresh Fall track before November’s end. No links up with fellow Action Figures affiliate Minus Nine for a quick heatrocket for this glorious #musicmonday. If you’re in Bmore on Friday, the Color Brown listening party is going down, but you already knew that, right?

Catch Wreck "Concerto": Tackling “Concerto Of The Desperado”, Wreck brings you his new revolution rap, which can be found on his forthcoming ADHD mixtape. Kind of fitting for a revolutionary, no? I wonder if, when Huey Freeman dreams, tracks like this are the soundtrack? Anyways, Catch follows in the footsteps of the niggas I grew up listening to, niggas who are on a mission by any means necessary. Fight the good fight, brother.

Armond ft. Jalili Jimiyu "Blank Canvas": As you should know, Armond has two albums dropping on the same day before the end of the year, and this is the first leak from those batches of songs. Being a father, I feel for the real life he spits on this track. I couldn’t imagine not seeing my son daily, let alone only seeing him three times in a year?!?! I’d go hammer, forreal. I hope his shorty listens to this some day, and knows his dad still loves him. Keep the faith, my nigga – hopefully that situation turns around for you and yours.

Duane Banx "I'm On It": Each day, I feel older – bones creaking, wines taste richer, kids seem younger. Duane is probably one of those artists cats don’t think I’d be associated, as he represents the new(er) sounds that the high school kids who game chicks and smoke loosies bounce to on the train. Dude’s grind is kind of mean, and his work hooks me. This might be my favorite of the tracks he’s sent, as it sounds like his bars are part of the game he would spit to a female on the bus stop, or wherever young niggas kick game to females at. I don’t know. I’m living life in headphones, I might not even see what’s poppin’. Anyways, new project from the boy Banx coming soon.

Easily one of my favorite tunes of 2010. First single from Shy's Larger Than Life LP, which is due out in 2011. Such a big tune. Hit the comments with how many cameos were in this video - this is what the DnB scene needs more of!

Maffew Ragazino "Gravy & Celery" (prod. by Qwan): Just posted a cut from Ragazino Sr. the other day, and I don't smoke green anymore, but I always have to give it up to tracks that embody that feeling I liked when I was proper bent - usually on a Saturday night, blowing trees and sippin' on something potent. Maff captures that time over this throwback feel, which can be found on Dub Floyd's Chronic Illness Vol. 1 mixtape. You got the itch? Light something, drank something nigga!

Damn. There was a summer in my formative years where you couldn't tell me that the Naked Gun movies weren't the funniest things out there. Back before OJ killed that white lady (come on...), he was the most funniest bumblingest idiot in any buffoon movie. And Leslie Nielsen played the parody cop role to a "T". Dude had the whole thing down - I couldn't even tell you what other movies or roles he's done (Wiki dat)... wait, he was in an episode of M*A*S*H* that flipped my lid when I saw it. Anyways, Nielsen was the man, and word came today that homey passed away at 84. Rest in power, Lt. Drebin.

After dropping the final leak from this the other day, T-Razor's full project has dropped, and it's definitely worth it. This isn't something to speed down the highway to - roll up whatever sack you just copped, go blunt fi blunt, and cool out. Shit's the soundtrack to sunny, lazy Sundays. Ride (slow) to this.

Mars, Volition, D-Dand & Topaz Jones "Makin Moves" (prod. by Thelonious Martin): I just dropped Thelonious' Player 2 the other day, and he just laced me with this Montclair-laced banger. Jazz loops are always my shit, and reminds me of when I really got into Hip-Hop, but it's good to hear that NOW, in an age where niggas spend so much time trying to keep it digital, while these niggas sound like they bleed analog tape. I love it.

The Kid Daytona has always intrigued me. I remember the first time I heard anything about him was on a classic episode of Juan Epstein - learned a lot about him, most of it wasn't about his rapping, but over the years, I've always respected his use of theme in his projects. Especially since these shits are free. I mean damn, it's like he had some of the finest producers out there (6th Sense, Cook Classics, 9th Wonder, Ted Smooth and others) take some of the illest musical loops and moments from Hip-Hop and craft fly beats from them. That's what he did? Then he got MCs like Styles P, N.O.R.E., Freddie Gibbs and others to collab with? Jesus Christ, why did I ever sleep on this? Kind of mad I hadn't peeped this when it initially dropped. Definitely something for you to rock to over this holiday weekend. Or on the train. Or while you're at work. Or in the cipher. Future of this thing of ours, looking back at where this thing of ours has traveled. We need more of this.

I feel like I've been waiting for this for a minute, as long as M@rv3lou$ has been hyping this on twitter. He's one of those niggas who I met on twitter and surprised me enough to chart his progress. Dude has the confidence, and is doing his thing on the pad and the beats. This tape showcases his talents, blending more club/chart friendly joints like "Take Your Shirt Off" with a bunch of harder shit, like the heavyweight "I Don't Give A Phyuck". That's how it goes in 2010, though - young niggas don't give a fuck about who you are and how long you been at it. They know they have something to say, are here now and will eat your food, early. Better watch out - they know the game and all they want is someone to listen. Well, not really - these niggas will do what they do regardless, but the end result is acceptance worldwide. I'm not mad.

I've always loved Trackstar's mixes, but I think this is the first time I've heard him come with the REVOLUTION feel. I like themed mixes, especially when a cat isn't afraid to go ham on the system. Featuring tracks like Tef Poe's "Everybody Strapped", as well as jawns from Immortal Technique, Nas, Jasiri X, Wise Intelligent, Killer Mike and others who are on that same truth. Days like Thanksgiving, Columbus Day and others make some of us realize how fucked our country can be. Eat some turkey, but realize who had to die for us to feel like turkey eating makes a nigga safe. Or comfortable. Peace to all political prisoners. Continue to fight the struggle.

The Glitch Mob ft. Pugs Atomz & Yarah Bravo "Fortune Days (DJ Vadim Remix)": I love when my (music) worlds collide. I associate Vadim with my Ninja Tune past, dissecting dusty breaks sampled into new tapestries in my mother's attic. Pugs was part of that underground Hip-Hop scene, and is a big part of the shit I follow nowadays. The Glitch Mob is skraight out of my EDM love, and the work I put in on other sites you might not frequent. To have all of these stars align into one club-thumping jawn in 2010? Heaven. Vadim lends the track a dope bounce, and Pugs and Yarah lend some sly vocals to the mix - not overpowering, more becoming a piece of the track, all points aimed at getting your ass on the floor. Hit the jump for the press info on where this track is taken from.

Vasco "I'm From Jersey": About a month ago, Vasco leaked a track he wrote about his trip back from Cali, but you can write a whole album about the inspiration niggas from New Jeru get from our homeland. It's a really dope piece of music, allowing the god to showcase what makes him him, while give you a taste about many of the minute details that make Jersey what it is. I kind of which RTD got a shout out - maybe on the remix? Ha! Big up to all my Jersey Hip-Hop heads, one love.

Maffew Ragazino "Whatever You Call 'Em" (prod. by Jaisu): @RagazinoSr has been getting a lot of great looks as of late... possibly because he got a lot of people open with his freestyle on Combat Jack's show a month or so ago, but it's just good to know that the nigga isn't just some witty punchlines and such. Dude can come with fly tracks like it's nothing. Most of this jawn here sounds like he's just talking to you, you feel me? He's a smart cat beyond his years. This is part of his Money And Fame Fuels Everyone's Wednesday series, so be on the look out for more of those, and just more of Maff in general.

Being the nerd that I am, I fucks with Hip-Hop and the sounds that influence the genre. 2 Hungry Bros., a pair of producers who dig in crates and use their finds to educate and create some fucking dope music. Dub MD recognized that, and has been working with them on the very project you see here. Just in time for Thanksgiving, 2HB got some delicious treats for your fatboy Hip-Hop hunger pangs, with MCs like 8th W1, P.SO, Fresh Daily, YC The Cynic, Homeboy Sandman, and plenty of chefs for this dinner. Full plate it up, bitch.

If you fucked with The Very Worst..., you need to fuck with this Frank G remix of Watts' shit: "Where some of the OG versions were laid over sample-based tracks or the well known instrumentals of mainstream artists, all of the music on this collection is 100% organic & live - we attempted to take each track in a different direction than its counterpart, giving it a new feel while maintaining the same vibe as the original. Three out of the five songs on "When Worse Comes To Worst" were found, in rough form, in the video clips that I've been releasing over the last few weeks; now, after many long days and plenty of hard work, they are complete".

Beyonce ft. Jay-Z vs. Document One x Heist "Upgrade U (DJ Nappy THUGSTEP Refix)": Sometimes, a riddim is too good to leave be. Drumstep is an emerging style, and this Heist remix of Document One's "Forgive Me" straddles the line between proper aggression and stunning beauty, which is kind of what Beyonce had going when "Upgrade U" dropped. Her, all curves and sultry womanhood, wanted to flex her chi all over your life, upping the ante on your own cool. It's an awesome blend, and when Hov touches down after the breakdown in the middle? My lawd.

I forgot to post this yesterday: "In this special all-Kanye episode, David Cho, Ye enthusiast and publisher of The Awl, joins the Hype Men to discuss My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy + Nicki Minaj’s intro + Kanye the person vs. Kanye the artist + Kanye’s impact on Jay-Z + Runaway: the film + how Kanye’s albums rank + whether G.O.O.D. Fridays were successful + what songs we’d be okay with never hearing again + more!"

8th W1 "To Audrey" (prod. by Ramon 'Sincere' Rodriguez): 8th sent this over last week, and for some reason I forgot to give this one a run. Silly me. Interesting track, here – 8th goes in deep, and when you think shit is going one way, he injects some proper reality on a number of different topics. He’s a smart brother, and knows how to pick some sick beats to express himself. All about preparation for the future, for the born and unborn in our lives. Stand up nigga, 8th is.

Following the brilliance that is 1up, Martin drops this new beat tape, Player 2, which has me thinking about how much time I spent playing games dolo as a child. Being an only child, and not having cousins close, but loving video games, I spent a lot of time playing these games by myself, with the flashing PLAYER 2 shit on the right hand side of the screen. Oddly enough, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to music by myself, too. Most of the time, I was listening to music WHILE playing games, alone. Method Man’s first album was the soundtrack to Sonic 3 for a while. Anyways, one of the nicer producers who doesn’t get as much shine as I’d like him to drops another fine one, preceding the release of his Dope Couture mixtape. For now, grab a friend and make some memories to this beat tape right here. It’s well worth it.

Ashy L Bowz "Budget Love": This track is definitely what it says on the tin – one of BK’s nicest breaks down how to be frugal while with your lady on dates and such. I know what that’s like – it’s all about “appreciating the little things” and what not. We all can’t ball uncontrollable, but you don’t want to fuck your paper up trying to be Don Juan, you feel me? Count your pennies and spend wisely – she won’t mind. Right? Anyways, this is the first single from No Lotion 2: The Great Repression, which is due out in March 2011. Be on the lookout for that, troop!

The good folk over at Good BIZ are more than just a burgeoning Music Group and company - they are still artists at the core! We got their ill "I'm Ready" remix a few months back, but I had no idea this was part of a proper Remix EP, with GDBZ providing their takes on tracks from Dwele, Tamia, Goapele, Sade and more. Six good cuts from 3 talented individuals. Download this EP, then hit the jump for their take on what you find here...

Seven Day "Doobies": Here's a lil' jam for you everyday blazers out there. And not you niggas who smoke b/c you think it's fashionable - I'm talking about you do or die cats, who just love rollin' up. After dropping their Concepts EP earlier this year, Seven Day is set to drop CNCPTS2, which drops January 1st, and will be followed by their debut album, Dusk Til Dawn. For now, roll something tight and kick back to this fly one.

Suave The Ape "Where We At?": I've got a feeling January 1st, 2011 will be chock full of a number of releases, including Suave's Dead Nation EP, which shows him continuing his progression, which is equal parts new school and mid-90's flyness. Dude just has a crazy throwback appeal that hits me everytime I hear him touch a mic. He also likes touching on heavier topics, making his poetry both boastful and hopeful. I'm not sure if he's leaking anything else between now and 1/1/11, but just backtrack and catch up until then!

Via PNC Radio: "#YAOWAA! Another great show in the bag. Shout out to Mr. Yaowa himself Joell Ortiz for coming through to the Combat Jack Show. Joell discusses his early beginnings and transition to Aftermath to being a free agent, how Slaughterhouse was created, his mother’s drug abuse and how it prevented him from pursuing college. Also he touched on his plans on getting physically fit for 2011 and of course he kept it Brooklyn and spit some bars. Shout out to PNC Radio’s own (and BYOBBBQ earl-Star) DJ Kraff for holdin’ it down. Video coming shortly. You know the drill…. "

I listened to this at work this morning and it put me in the proper mood for a busy Friday at the fucking j-o. From DJ Cable: "I recently stopped by BBC 1Xtra for a guest mix and a quick chat on CJ Beatz' RnB Mixshow last week, which was aired on Tuesday.

I literally had about 5 to 10 minutes to prepare my set, as I had been busy all day Dj-ing at a Maida Vale session for Yasmin, but the end result was pretty dope! 30 minutes of New Jack Swing/90's R&B, some uptempo club joints, southern Hip Hop, Dubstep, Grime, and a live acapella mashup too! It was nice to be able to go in live, and not spend ages preparing a crazy multi-tracked mix!"

Ashy L Bowz ft. Money First "Ashy Money" (prod. by Sev Da Producer): I always see Sev big up his production on twitter, but for some reason I get amazed when I hear him touch down. Ashy reps BK and my Trenton fam Money First beast over this track, forreal. Straight counting money rap. Coke cutting rap. Grimey shit. Enjoy that.

Marvalyss "Anything" (prod. by Beat Wiz): When niggas like @ClubbaLang send you messages about niggas you need to be checkin’ for, you listen. Dude’s got a slippery-smooth sample in the background, and dedicates this to that one true love. It’s funny – you can’t deny the feeling of love to anyone, but for whatever reason, niggas feel like they are punks when they express how they feel about someone. It’s probably because they can’t figure out how to do it in a way that makes them still sound like the man they know they are. Just gotta go for it, in love, in career, in life. Do anything you can to grab it, then hold on tight.

Rickie Jacobs "Speakers Goin’ Hammer": Jacobs figured he’d let the faucet flow, and continues to massacre beats from his Bmore studio. “Goin’ ham” is one of my favorite terms ever, and when Souljer Boy flipped “Goin’ Hammer”, I died. This beat has a dope bounce, and we all know Souljer ain’t no spitter, so we want to give it up to Rickie Jake for violating this beat. Fucked it all in the mouth and everything. Nasty.

Singapore Kane "Tom & Jerry": With my son discovering all kinds of good cartoons, it’s ill that the boy Kane comes with this fresh freestyle. You’ll hear more of this on The Wrath Of Kane, which will be a grip of expertly-executed freestyles that drops on Refined Hype in the near future. They say before Detox, but really, what ISN’T happening before Detox drops!??!

T-Razor & Johnny Spanish "2 The Top": I flipped a few tracks from this duo a bit ago, and on the eve of T-Razor dropping his The Chronic 2010 mixtape, Spanish hit me off with this last leak. Two intelligent potheads coastin’ over a beat that feels like heaven. I’ve got a thing for ill string loops, though. The Chronic 2012 drops on Thanksgiving, so you might wanna make sure you’ve got a sack of that good, eat well then cool out to this one.

Armond "Don't Stop (The Apology)": Armond was driving in his whip when he heard this beat and freestyled the first 8 bars. Two hours later, he had the track dunzo. He had been wanting to leak some shit from his album on Tuesday, but he a lie. LOL nah, he just didn’t do it. Now, word on the tweets is this nigga has two albums dropping. In December. On the same day. 2010 DMX, minus the crillz. Anyways, here’s some audio crillz from one of the best kept secrets out there.